5 Holiday Décor Items You Should Never Thrift, According to Experts

Lights and Light-Up Décor

While some collectors seek out vintage lights, our experts advise caution here. If possible, it's best to purchase electric decorations new, says thrifting and DIY pro Camille McMullin. There are both safety risks and the chance that what you're purchasing doesn't actually work. "Unless you've plugged in and tested lights in the store, I'd generally avoid these items as there may be damaged or burned bulbs that can't be easily repaired," says McMullin.  

Emily Huxford, founder of Happily Huxford, agrees: "Light strands can be very finicky and can also turn into fire hazards if they're older incandescent lights ... If they're newer LED lights, that's a safer bet."

Large Boxes of Ornaments

On your hunt for secondhand holiday décor, you may come across large boxes of Christmas tree ornaments that are perhaps sealed, priced by weight, or offered at a bulk discount. Try to resist these, says McMullin. "I generally avoid those because there may be broken or damaged ornaments you can't see inside." 

Seasonal Throw Pillows (Without Removable Covers)

"I wouldn't pick up throw pillows that don't have removable covers that can be cleaned," says Huxford. "Thrift stores generally don't launder items before putting them out on the floor, so pillows and other fabric items should always be washed as soon as you get home."

If you don't think the pillow can be properly cleaned without damaging, it's best to leave it on the shelf. "If the throw pillow cannot be washed, I would leave it behind for sanitary reasons," shared Huxford.

Tree Skirts

"Fabric items like tree skirts can definitely be tricky, especially if they’ve been heavily used or stored for a long time," Lewis explains. "Allergens or odors can linger, and sometimes even washing doesn’t fully restore them. It’s understandable to prefer new ones for a fresher and cleaner feel in your holiday décor."

Old or Damaged Candles

Examine potential purchases carefully if you're considering buying candles secondhand, says McMullin. "Candles can be difficult to find undamaged and unburned at the thrift store."

Also keep in mind that imported candles and older candles may have lead wicks, which were officially banned in the United States in 2003. Although many candle manufacturers in the United States voluntarily stopped using lead wicks in the 1970s, it's still prudent to proceed with caution when burning vintage candles.